Laboratory Technician

Competition 2110

This competition is open to all applicants however; internal candidates and applicants who were former employees of the University of Alberta will be given priority consideration before external candidates. Please log in to verify your internal candidate status.

This position is a part of the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

This position has a term length of 1 year plus 1 day and offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Location - This role is in-person at North Campus Edmonton.

Working at the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people — from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

Working for the Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology

The Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology is a research-intensive unit that pursues dynamic projects in the areas of bacteriology, immunology, and virology. Our research foci include host-pathogen interactions, virus infection and replication, immune responses to pathogens, bacterial pathogenesis, as well as autoimmunity and cancer immunology. Our research goals are to create and improve therapeutic agents, vaccines, and physiological interventions to improve health and diminish or prevent disease.

Position Summary

This is a Laboratory Technician position funded by the federal government's Canadian Biomedical Research Fund (CBRF program) to establish a new vaccine development and testing center. Dr. Shmulevitz co-leads this program with another professor at the University of Manitoba. Dr. Shmulevitz directly leads the UA initiatives, working closely with 8 UA researchers on this project. This position involves research in a virology and immunology laboratory setting and the candidate will perform a wide range of technical duties and provide support for ongoing research projects. This position entails establishing the virus purification pipeline using chromatography and filtration as examples of the process. The incumbent will be helping develop and apply the equipment towards a streamlined purification process. Independent decision making and collaboration with laboratory trainees, the principal investigator and the CBRF team members will be required. This position will require excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Duties 

• Consult with defined industry and academic partners to develop workflow for downstream processes of virus production, including filtration, isolation, purification, polishing
• Research current and emerging technologies/practices in large-scale vaccine production and recommend lab-scale setup that facilitates upscaling of these processes to commercial production
• Ensure scalability and robustness of these processes for future Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) manufacturing
• Collaborate with virus production team to ensure integrated transition from production to purification workflow
• Select/recommend equipment & instrumentation based on project requirements, pricing, support/service, …
• Define and execute experiments, including defining tasks, experimental planning, experimental execution, data analysis, documentation, reporting of results, providing recommendations, and drafting standard operating procedures based on assigned projects
• Optimise purification process methods for each vector/protein using a Design of Experiment approach
• Teach & supervise use of equipment & instruments
• Perform/schedule regular maintenance
• Schedule use of equipment & instruments
• Demonstrate integrity and a positive attitude in daily performance and establish credibility to motivate others to do the same

Qualifications

• BSc in (bio)chemical engineering, bioanalytical chemistry, or relevant field. A Master's Degree or PhD is preferred.
• 2+ years of experience required
• Expertise in protein purification, including expertise in FPLC, and various column chromatography methods
• Expertise in bioanalytical methods (HPLC, mass spectrometry, electron microscopy, gel electrophoresis, ELISA, (q)PCR, cell viability/death)
• Experience working in biosafety level 2
• Assay development and optimisation
• Cell culture methods (mammalian, bacterial) 
• 3D printing of lab equipment, including design software (Fusion 360)
• Solid scientific approach with experience in experimental planning, Design of Experiments, statistical analyses, interpretation, documentation and communication
• Ability to strategize and develop creative and efficient solutions
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency with computer productivity software (e.g. MS Office, etc.) and a range of technical applications (e.g., Unicorn)
• Detail-oriented with excellent analytical skills and able to multitask and succeed in a team environment
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills